John M. Socolow, Aviation Attorney in New York
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Aviation, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
PartneratWood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP
New, NY
Practicing aviation in New York since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John M. Socolow?
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Quick answer
John M. Socolow is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Aviation, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Aviation · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Aviation, Insurance, and Litigation matters from New York, NY.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John M. Socolow: John M. Socolow is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Aviation, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on aviation, insurance, litigation, maritime, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Aviation
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Maritime
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Business
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Aviation cases in New York
John takes aviation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in New York
John takes insurance matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in New York
John takes litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Maritime cases in New York
John takes maritime matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in New York
John takes personal injury matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John M. Socolow — aviation lawyer in New York
John M. Socolow is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Aviation, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
John Socolow is a partner in WSHB's White Plains office who litigates across several practice areas, including aviation and aerospace law. He oversees all aspects of product liability defense for a major foreign helicopter manufacturer and its subsidiaries in state and federal courts nationwide. Additionally, he advises clients on product liability, insurance coverage, premises liability, dram shop liability, and commercial disputes.
In his earlier career, John held key roles as national coordinating counsel for a Japanese automobile and truck manufacturer and its U.S. and Caribbean subsidiaries, as well as for product liability issues involving a renowned international consumer products manufacturer and its U.S.-based subsidiary.
John has contributed to the annual ABA Aviation and Space Law CLE program in Washington, D.C. He also co-authored an article on Unmanned Aircraft and Space Debris for a 2009 program, later featured in the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association Journal in Summer 2010.
Newsroom
Events, Seminars & Speaking Engagements
•Defense Research Institute, Strictly Speaking - The Newsletter of the Product Liability Committee, May 12, 2020, Volume 17, Issue 2 - “Recent Seventh Circuit Analysis of Daubert, Federal Rule of Evidence 702, and the Consumer Expectations vs. Risk-Utility Tests”
Publications
•Supreme Court Tightens Limits on Personal Jurisdiction Over Foreign Manufacturers in Crash Case
Case Updates, 11.11.25
•Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association Journal, Vol. XXXII No. 2, Summer 2010, “Emerging Issues: Unmanned Aircraft and Space Debris”
In the News
•Supreme Court Tightens Limits on Personal Jurisdiction Over Foreign Manufacturers in Crash Case
How John handles aviation matters
John Socolow is a partner in WSHB's White Plains office who litigates across several practice areas, including aviation and aerospace law. He oversees all aspects of product liability defense for a major foreign helicopter manufacturer and its subsidiaries in state and federal courts nationwide. Additionally, he advises clients on product liability, insurance coverage, premises liability, dram…
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation, insurance, and litigation matters across New York.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Fordham University School of Law
J.D. · 1986
University of Pennsylvania
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
New York Connecticut
1987 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1986 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association Defense Research Institute New York State Bar Association Association of the Bar of the City of New York
membership
Locations
John M. Socolow's office in New York
John's primary office is at 685 Third Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP
685 Third Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John M. Socolow — 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing aviation attorneys in New York.
5.0
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John M. Socolow claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John M. Socolow — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a aviation attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every aviation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John M. Socolow
How much does it cost to hire John for a aviation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do aviation cases in New York typically take?
Simple aviation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside New York?
John is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new aviation clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Aviation attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
John handles aviation matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.
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